Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcyclists are almost 26 times more likely to
die in a crash than a car driver. They are also five times more likely to be injured.
A motorcyclist is in constant danger of
personal injury. Negligent vehicle drivers, poor road conditions and even a defective
auto product can lead to serious injuries. It is important to know your
legal rights and to have a Maryland personal injury lawyer with you.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Driver Negligence

Two-thirds of all motorcycle crashes happen when another driver violates
the motorcycle operator’s right of way. It only takes a moment for
the driver of a
car,
truck, or another vehicle to make a bad choice and change the life of a motorcyclist.
Motorcycles are simply smaller visual objects. So other drivers on the
road must make an effort to consciously look out for them. Distracted
and negligent drivers must be held accountable for their actions. Did
the other driver fail to look for a motorcycle? Was the car driver on
the cell phone or driving under the influence of alcohol?

Design or Manufacturing Flaws

Let’s face it, part of the allure of motorcycles is the freedom and
the thrill that comes with it. Sadly, the freedom and rush that comes
from riding doesn’t come with crashworthiness. Motorcycles have
no roof, no airbag, no safety belt, and no steel cage to protect the operator
and/or any passengers. This lack of protection puts more importance on
the experience of the rider and the quality of manufacturing of the bike.

When determining liability for a traffic collision, a Maryland motorcycle
accident lawyer will take many factors into account. When only the motorcycle
rider is involved in the crash, the makeup and manufacturing of the bike
may be considered in determining liability. Are there design flaws or
manufacturing defects in the motorcycle that caused or contributed to
the crash? Some vehicle models have inherent flaws. Others may be in the
midst of a recall. If a defective motorcycle causes a crash, the manufacturer
could be held liable.

Road Conditions

Just as motorcyclists are more likely to be impacted by the weather, they
are also more affected by road conditions. The government agency in charge
of maintaining the roads has an obligation to make the streets safe for
all motorists. When poor road conditions such as potholes or uneven pavement
lead to a motorcycle collision, the governmental agency responsible for
maintaining the roadway could be held liable as well.

Protecting Your Legal Rights

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, please call the experienced
lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Poe, LLC for a free case evaluation. Call us at
(301) 812-4777 to find out if you can seek compensation for your motorcycle repair, medical
bills, any rehabilitation you may require, and even any loss of wages
you may have sustained.

Maryland Motorcycle Helmet Law

In the state of Maryland, all motorcyclists are required by law to wear
a helmet while riding on the road. It is not required that you wear a
helmet while riding off road on a motorcycle. Riding your motorcycle on
the road without a helmet is a criminal misdemeanor and could lead to
fines of up to $500. This law was enacted in 1992 with the intent to lower
Maryland motorcycle collision fatalities.

The Debate

There is debate each year in Maryland legislature to determine whether
to keep the helmet law in effect or not. Some amendments suggested have
included allowing riders of a certain age to be allowed to ride helmet-free.
Year after year, however, the law has remained the same. Those in favor
of the law recognize that helmets dramatically increase your chances of
surviving a motorcycle crash. Those against the law believe that forcing
a rider to wear a helmet is a direct violation of their personal rights
and an intrusion into their personal freedoms.

The Danger

Motorcyclists are simply at a disadvantage if they are involved in a collision
with an automobile. Riders have no seatbelts, steal cages around them,
or airbags to soften the impact of a collision. Motorcyclists can suffer
serious physical injuries or death as the result of another driver’s
negligence. You would think that the helmet law would decrease the number
of motorcycle fatalities, but the statistics are not that simple.

In fact, in recent years it appears that motorcycle fatalities are on the
rise in the state. In 2004, there were 69 motorcycle crash fatalities.
In 2006, there were 84 motorcycle collision fatalities. In 2008, there
were 88 motorcycle accident fatalities. It is inaccurate, however, to
say that motorcycle helmets are not effective. There is consistent evidence
that helmets prevent or minimize head injuries in motorcycle collisions.

Seeking Representation

If you have been in a motorcycle crash, you may need a motorcycle collision
attorney to help you receive compensation for the injuries and damages
you suffered as a result of the accident. The first job for your lawyer
will be to establish who is liable for your crash. The fault may fall
on the other driver, the government agency responsible for the road conditions,
or even the manufacturer of your motorcycle. If another driver caused
the crash, your Maryland motorcycle accident attorney will have to establish
that the other driver did not uphold a duty of care and, therefore, caused
the accident. Was the other driver drinking, distracted, or negligent?
An attorney can help negotiate settlements with insurance companies or
represent you in court to help you recover fair compensation for your
injuries, damages, and losses.

The Maryland motorcycle injury lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Poe have represented
motorcycle riders for years. We understand the ins and outs to motorcycle
laws. Call
(301) 812-4777 right away for a free review of your claim.

Alpert Schreyer Poe Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of Maryland. We serve all of Maryland including Prince George’s County, Bowie, Chillum, Clinton, Fort Washington, Greenbelt, Upper Marlboro, Frederick County, Frederick, Charles County, Waldorf, White Plains, St. Mary’s County, Lexington Park, Calvert County, Anne Arundel County, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Laurel, Odenton, Pasadena, Severn, Montgomery County, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Rockville, Silver Spring.